Method of forming an earplug by laser ablation and an earplug formed thereby

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an earplug that includes a sound attenuating portion and a feature formed by laser ablation, wherein the feature comprises a cavity formed in a first end of the sound attenuating portion including a cylindrical shape extending into the sound attenuating portion, along a longitudinal axis of the sound attenuating portion, toward a second end of the sound attenuating portion opposite the first end, the earplug further comprising at least one of a cord, a stem, and a detectable insert disposed in the cavity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/346,604 filed on Jan. 17, 2003, the entirecontent of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to hearing protection devices and, moreparticularly to a method of forming an earplug by laser ablation.

2. Description of Related Art

The use of hearing protective and noise attenuating devices is wellknown, and various types of devices are available including, but notlimited to, ear muffs, semi-aural devices, and earplugs. Earplugs areoften preferred for their effectiveness in attenuating sound and forcomfort properties provided thereby.

An earplug generally comprises a sound attenuating element which isplaced in the ear canal of a wearer to provide desired soundattenuation. The sound attenuating element is commonly made of acompressible, resilient material such as a foam or a rubber.

There are many instances in which it is desirable to produce the soundattenuating element having a cavity formed therein or a channel formedtherethrough or, more generally, with a certain quantity of thecompressible, resilient material removed or otherwise made absent from abody of the sound attenuating element.

For example, a cavity formed in the sound attenuating element of anearplug may be used to receive an end of a cord element which is bondedto the sound attenuating element in the cavity and used to connect twoearplugs together. Herein, the term “cavity” will be used to designate ahole or recess formed in the sound attenuating element of an earplug butnot completely through the sound attenuating element.

Such a cavity may be used in another embodiment to receive and mounttherein a rigid or semi-rigid stem used to provide a degree of rigidityto the earplug and to effect convenient insertion and removal thereof.Still further, such a cavity may be formed in an earplug to receive adetectable material such as a metal, magnetic or x-ray identifiablesubstance for providing easy detectability of the earplug. Stillfurther, a cavity may be formed within the sound attenuating element sothat the earplug exerts less pressure on a wearer's ear canal uponinsertion thereof, thus providing greater comfort to the wearer.

A channel formed through the sound attenuating element of an earplug maybe used to facilitate communication with the wearer of the earplug.Herein, the term “channel” will be used to designate a hole or recessformed in a sound attenuating element of an earplug which propagatescompletely through the sound attenuating element such that the channelis open to an exterior of the earplug in at least two places.

Such a channel may be used to facilitate communication by, for example,receiving a communications insert, such as a receiver, transducer, etc.,designed to deliver sound to a wearer. Alternatively, the channel mayreceive a tube for connection to a communication assembly which deliverssounds through the tube, into the ear canal of the wearer.

In another example, a certain quantity of the compressible, resilientmaterial used to compose the sound attenuating element of an earplug maybe desired to be removed or otherwise made absent from an outer surfaceof the element in order to form surface ornamentation, such as indiciaor patterning, thereon. Such indicia includes characters and logos whilethe patterning includes surface elements for visual styling, gripping,etc.

The items discussed above (the cavity, channel, surface ornamentation)and other similar features may be formed in the earplug soundattenuating element either during production or shortly after productionthereof.

For example, where the sound attenuating element is formed in a moldingprocess, such as an injection molding process, the mold may includefeatures which form the items, in situ, during molding. For example, themold may include an insert about which the sound attenuating element isformed. Removal of the insert after formation of the compressible,resilient material results in the desired cavity or channel. The moldmay include other elements which function similarly to the insert inorder to form the surface ornamentation, i.e., indicia, patterning, etc.

However, such a molding technique often results in inconsistentformation of the described items. That is, it has been found that thesizing and placement of the cavity, the channel, etc. formed through insitu molding techniques often varies from one earplug to the next. Suchinconsistent results are clearly not desirable. In addition, an earplugmanufacturer would require several different earplug molds in order toproduce sound attenuating elements having cavities, channels, and/orsurface ornamentation, thus, increasing costs and generally complicatingmanufacturing.

The sound attenuating element of an earplug may also be formed through acasting process in which the resilient, compressible material, is formedin a sheet and then later die cut into pieces to form sound attenuatingelements. Formation of the cavity, channel, or surface ornamentationduring this casting process is not possible. Such features must beformed after casting of the sound attenuating elements by mechanicalmeans, etc. However, this involves additional manufacturing andprocessing steps and, additionally, the features produced are ofteninconsistent from one attenuating element to the next or are otherwiseinadequate.

Extrusion processes are often used to form the compressible, resilientsound attenuating elements for earplugs. However, such processes do notallow for creation of cavities or channels in the sound attenuatingelements during formation thereof. Thus, in the case of extruded soundattenuating elements, as well as with pre-formed molded soundattenuating elements, features such as cavities, channels, or surfaceornamentation must be formed in the sound attenuating element in aseparate manufacturing step conducted after the initial formation of thesound attenuating element.

For example, after formation of a sound attenuating element, the cavity,channel, etc., may be effectively cut into the compressible, resilientmaterial. Particularly, a high speed drill may be used to bore thecavity or channel into the sound attenuating element. However, thistechnique is insufficient because the drill tends to rip or tear thecompressible, resilient material. Also, the rotating drill may pull thesound attenuating element from its fixture during drilling, thusinterrupting manufacturing. In another technique, a thermal elementhaving a high temperature is pressed into the sound attenuating elementto effectively melt the compressible, resilient material in order toform the cavity, channel, etc. However, this method also results ininconsistent formation of the cavity, channel, etc. Specifically, adiameter of the cavity and channel varies considerably over manufactureof a number of earplugs, at least partly due to a build up of burntcompressible, resilient material adhering to the thermal element.

As mentioned, a sound attenuating element of an earplug may be formed toinclude a cavity for receiving a rigid or semi-rigid stem used toprovide a degree of rigidity to the earplug and to effect convenientinsertion and removal thereof. In one embodiment, the stem includes astem cavity formed at one end of the stem for receiving an end of a cordelement therein. The cord element is attached to the stem in the stemcavity and attached at an opposite end to a second stem of a secondearplug, thus forming a corded pair of stemmed earplugs.

The stem may be formed, for example, by an extrusion process. Duringsuch process it is not possible to form the stem cavity. The stem cavitymust be formed in a separate manufacturing process, for example, byboring a hole into the stem with a drill after extrusion formation ofthe stem. Alternatively, the stem may be produced through a molding or acasting process in which the stem cavity is created, respectively, insitu during formation of the stem or afterwards via a mechanicalprocess. In either case, formation of the stem cavity by traditionalmethods often results in inconsistent placement of the cavity within thestem and inaccurate cavity dimensions.

Thus, a method of removing material from an earplug to effectively,efficiently, and consistently form surface elements in the earplug'ssound attenuating element or stem, such as a cavity, a through-channel,and surface ornamentation, is desired.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The above discussed and other problems and deficiencies of the prior artare overcome or alleviated by the hearing protective device and methodof manufacture of the invention.

A method of forming an earplug is provided including removing a materialof the earplug by laser ablation. An earplug is positioned proximate alaser, a portion of the earplug to be ablated is identified, the laseris activated so as to direct an emitted laser light toward the portionto be ablated, and the portion to be ablated is removed by ablation. Theinvention is also directed to an earplug including a body having afeature formed by laser ablation.

The above discussed and other features and advantages of the presentinvention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the artfrom the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alikein the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an earplug according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the earplug of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a cord;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a method of forming the earplugof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the earplug of FIG. 1 in anotherembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the earplug of FIG. 1 in anotherembodiment;

FIGS. 7A-7C are cross-sectional views of earplugs according to theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a method of forming the earplugsof FIGS. 7A-7C;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of an earplug according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of an earplug according to the invention;and

FIGS. 11A-B are cross-sectional views of earplugs according to theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an earplug 2 according to one embodiment of the invention.The earplug 2 is composed of a compressible, resilient material such as,for example, a foam or rubber material. The earplug 2 generallycomprises a body 10 including a first end 4 and an opposite second end6. During use, a wearer inserts the second end 6 into an ear canal suchthat the earplug body 10 blocks the ear canal and thus attenuates sound.During insertion, the first end 4 remains at the opening of the earcanal or extends therefrom.

The earplug 2 further comprises, as shown in FIG. 2, a cavity 8 formedin the body 10 of the earplug. As mentioned above, the term “cavity” isused herein to designate a hole or recess formed in the soundattenuating element of an earplug but not completely through the soundattenuating element. In one embodiment, the cavity 8 is essentially arecess set into the earplug 2 and includes a cylindrical cross-section.A bottom portion 12 of the cavity 8 is perpendicular with respect to alongitudinal axis of the cavity while side walls 14 are parallel to thelongitudinal axis. Alternatively, of course, the bottom portion 12 andside walls 14 may be spherical, semi-spherical, or angular in shape anddisposition.

The cavity 8, in one embodiment, receives an end 16 of a cord 18 (seeFIG. 3) which serves to connect the earplug 2 with a second earplug. Theend 16 of the cord 18 is inserted into the cavity 8 and bonded thereinto the compressible, resilient material of the earplug 2, thus forming acorded pair of earplugs.

For adequate and consistent bonding of the cord 18 and earplug 2 withinthe cavity 8, it is essential that the cavity 8 is formed in the earplug2 at a predetermined angle with precise dimensions of depth and width.Also, it is critical that the bottom portion 12 and side walls 14 of thecavity 8 are formed as smooth, consistent mating surfaces in order tofacilitate the described bonding.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a method of manufacturing the earplug 2 willnow be discussed. First, the earplug body 10 is formed. Any acceptableprocess may be used to form the earplug body 10 such as, for example,molding, extrusion, casting, etc. In the molding process, thecompressible, resilient material, of which the earplug body is formed,is inserted in a liquid form into a mold and allowed to take the shapeof the mold. The compressible resilient material is then cured and theearplug body 10, without the cavity 8, is ejected from the mold.

Next, the cavity 8 is formed in the earplug body 10. First, an ablationportion 20 of the compressible, resilient material forming the body 10is identified for removal. The ablation portion 20 is located at thefirst end 4 of the body 10 and extends toward the second end 6. Theearplug body 10 is disposed in a fixture 22 and positioned proximate alaser 24 such that the ablation portion 20 is facing a laser lightemitting end 26 of the laser 24. Laser light 28 is emitted from thelight emitting end 24 and propagated toward the earplug body 10. A lens30 is used to provide a predetermined spot size. The laser light 28 isdirected through the lens 30 to the ablation portion 20 so as tocompletely ablate the portion 20 from the earplug body 10. Once ablationhas occurred, propagation of the laser light 28 is terminated and thecompleted earplug 2, including the newly formed cavity 8, is removedfrom the fixture 22. The earplug 2 may then be further manufactured, forexample, the end 16 of the cord 18 may then be inserted into the cavity8 and adhesively bonded to the bottom portion 12 and side walls 14thereof.

The laser 22 used in manufacturing the earplug 2 may be any type oflaser suitable for forming the cavity 8 in the earplug body 10 asdescribed. For example, the laser 22 may be any suitable solid-state,gas, excimer, dye, or semiconductor laser.

In one embodiment, a carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas laser is used to ablatethe earplug body 10 in order to form the cavity 8, where the cavity 8has a diameter of 0.050″. More particularly, a CO₂ laser is utilizedhaving an output power of 25 W, a beam diameter of about 3.5 mm, a beamdivergence of about 4 mR, and a wavelength in the range of 10.57-10.63um. The lens 30, in this embodiment, is a four inch (4″) lens whichprovides a spot size of 0.050″. The ablation portion 20 is removed andthe cavity 8 is formed with a 250 ms pulse using 5 psi air assist. Asuitable CO₂ laser is, for example, the “Series 48-2 CO₂ Laser” producedcommercially by Synrad, Inc.

The cavity 8 formed by laser ablation in the earplug 2 is described, inone embodiment, as having a diameter of 0.050″ and as being used toreceive an end 16 of a cord 18 to facilitate attachment of the cord 18to the earplug 2. However, it is of course contemplated within the scopeof the invention that the cavity 8 formed in the earplug body 10 may beof different shapes and/or sizes depending on a desired application of aparticular earplug.

For example, the cavity 8 may be formed by laser ablation to receive astem component 32 as shown in FIG. 5. Here, the cavity 8 is given adiameter and shape to enable proper reception and mounting of the stemcomponent 32. The stem component 32 may ultimately be disposed entirelywithin the body 10 of the earplug 2 or one end of the stem component 32may be left extending from the first end 4 of the earplug 2. The stemcomponent 32 is composed of a rigid or semi-rigid material in order toimpart a degree of rigidity to the earplug 2.

In another example, the cavity 8 may be formed by laser ablation, asdescribed, to receive a detectable insert 34 as shown in FIG. 6. Thedetectable insert 34 is composed of any readily detectable material,such as, for example a material which is metal, magnetic, or x-raydetectable. The detectable insert 34 is preferably spherical in shapeand may be used in combination with the cord 18 previously described toform a corded pair of detectable earplugs.

In still another example, the cavity 8 may be formed by laser ablation,as described, to produce a reduced pressure zone within the earplug body10 proximate the cavity 8. When the earplug 2 is inserted into the earcanal, the body 10 is compressed and then allowed to expand within thecanal. The pressure exerted outwardly during expansion of the earplugbody 10 is less at the reduced pressure zone then at other portions ofthe earplug. The reduced expansion pressure of the reduced pressurezone, formed by laser ablation, enhances comfort to the wearer.

FIG. 7A shows an earplug, in another embodiment of the invention,generally designated by reference numeral 36. Earplug 36 includes a body38 having first and second opposite ends 40 and 42, respectively. Thefirst and second ends 40 and 42 are generally analogous to first andsecond ends 4 and 6, respectively, discussed above. The earplug 36further includes a channel 44 formed through the earplug body 38 fromthe first end 40 to the second end 42. As discussed above, the term“channel” will be used herein to designate a hole or recess formed in asound attenuating element of an earplug which propagates completelythrough the sound attenuating element such that the channel is open toan exterior of the earplug in at least two places. As such, the channel44 is a narrow passageway which traverses the length of the earplug 36and includes an opening at the first end 40 and an opening at the secondend 42. Similar to the earplug 2, the earplug 36 is composed of acompressible, resilient material such as, for example, a foam materialor a rubber material.

The channel 36 may be used to facilitate sound propagation. For example,in one embodiment, the channel 36 is utilized to permit the passage ofcertain sounds from the first end 40, through the earplug body 38, tothe second end 42 which, during use, is disposed proximate the eardrumof the wearer. The channel 44 is shown in the Figures as extending fromthe first end 40 to the second end 42 in a path generally parallel to alongitudinal axis of the earplug 36. However, in another embodiment, thechannel 44 may be formed to traverse the earplug body 38 from a sideportion 46 to the second end 42. Still further, the earplug 36 as shownmay include one or more addition channels extending from the sideportion 46 to the first end 40. In this way, various sound propagationpathways are possible.

In another embodiment, the channel 44 receives equipment to facilitatecommunications. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the channel mayreceive a communication insert 45 such as a receiver or a transducerwhich then may be bonded or otherwise retained within the earplug body38 and utilized to deliver sound to the ear canal of a wearer.Alternatively, the channel 44 may receive a tube element 47, as shown inFIG. 7C. The tube element 47 is a hollow member which maintains apassageway in the earplug body 38 through which sounds may bepropagated. An end 49 of the tube element 47 extends from the channel 44to an exterior of the earplug 36. The tube element 47 may be connectedto a communication assembly 51 at the end 49. The communication assembly51 produces sounds which are propagated through the passageway of thetube element 47 to the ear canal of a wearer.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C and 8, a method of manufacturing theearplug 36 will now be discussed. First, the earplug body 38 is formed,without the channel 44, through any conventional process including, forexample, molding, extrusion, casting, etc. In such a molding process,the resilient, compressible material, in pliable form, is poured into amold wherein the material cures and thus forms the earplug body 38,absent the channel 44.

The formed earplug body 38 is then removed from the mold and placed inthe fixture 22 wherein the earplug body 38 is compressed to a reducedheight. An ablation portion 35 of the earplug body 38 is identifiedwhich corresponds to the compressible, resilient material which must beremoved to form the channel 44. The earplug body 10 is positionedproximate the laser 24 such that the ablation portion is disposedadjacent the laser light emitting end 26. The laser 24 is activated toemit laser light 28 from end 26 through the lens 30 which provides apredetermined spot size. The laser light 28 is directed through the lens30 to the ablation portion 35 so as to completely remove the ablationportion 35 of the earplug body 38 and, thus, form the channel 44.

Once ablation has occurred, the laser light 28 is terminated and thecompleted earplug 36, including the newly formed channel 44, is removedfrom the fixture 22. The earplug 36 may then be further manufactured,for example, the communication insert 45 or the tube element 47 may beinserted in the channel 44 and bonded therein to the earplug body 38.

Any suitable laser may be used for ablation purposes in forming thechannel 44 including, but not limited to, solid-state, gas, excimer,dye, or semiconductor lasers.

In one embodiment, a carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas laser is used to ablatethe earplug body 10 in order to form the channel 44, where the channel44 has a diameter of 0.090″. The CO₂ laser, similar to that describedabove with reference to the earplug 2, includes an output power of 25 W,a beam diameter of about 3.5 mm, a beam divergence of about 4 mR, and awavelength in the range of 10.57-10.63 um. The lens 30, in thisembodiment, is a four inch (4″) lens with a 7.5″ focal length whichprovides a spot size of 0.090″. The speed of the laser is set at 20inches per minute and 40 psi of air assist is utilized The “Series 48-2CO₂ Laser” produced commercially by Synrad, Inc., may be used to formthe channel 44.

As mentioned, the earplug body 38 is compressed in the fixture 22 priorto ablation. Preferably, in the example described, the body 38 iscompressed to a height of 0.15″. Such compression enables accurate andconsistent removal of the ablation portion 35, thus facilitatingformation of the channel 44.

In another embodiment of the invention, earplugs 48 and 50 are formed asshown in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively. Earplug 48 includes indicia 52formed on an outer surface 54. Earplug 50 includes a pattern 56 formedon an outer surface 58. Both the indicia 52 and the pattern 56 areessentially scored into the respective outer surfaces, 54 and 58.

The scoring of the indicia 52 and of the pattern 56 is performed bylaser ablation as follows. First, the earplugs 48 and 50, not includingthe indicia 52 or pattern 56, are manufactured through a conventionprocess including, for example, by molding, extrusion, casting, etc.That is, the earplugs 48 and 50 are formed to include smooth and uniformouter surfaces 54 and 58, respectively. Then the earplugs 48 and 50 areeach separately placed into the fixture 22 and are subject to laserablation by the laser 24.

Particularly, with respect to the earplug 48, an ablation portioncorresponding to the desired indicia 52 is identified, the earplug 48 isbrought proximate the laser 24, and subjected to laser light 28 emittedtherefrom. The emitted laser light 28 ablates the ablation portion, thusforming the indicia 52.

A similar technique is used to form the pattern 56 in earplug 50. Thatis, the earplug 50 is formed having a smooth and uniform outer surface58 and brought proximate the laser 24. An ablation portion of the outersurface 58 is identified which corresponds to the desired pattern 56.The outer surface 58 is subjected to laser light 28 emitted from thelaser 24 incident upon the outer surface 58, thus resulting in thecomplete ablation of the ablation portion and causing the formation ofthe pattern 56.

The indicia 52 and pattern 56 are only described and shown hereingenerally. The indicia 52 includes any letters, characters, etc. and maybe designed to represent, for example, brand or trade names. The pattern56 is limited only by the accuracy of the chosen laser and may generallycomprise any arrangement of ablated characters, lines, shapes, etc.which may be represented singularly or in combination as surfaceornamentation on the earplug 50.

Any suitable laser may be used for ablation purposes in forming theindicia 52 and pattern 56 including, but not limited to, solid-state,gas, excimer, dye, or semiconductor lasers. In a preferable embodiment,a CO₂ gas laser as made commercially available by Synrad, Inc., may beused.

FIG. 11A shows an earplug 60 in another embodiment of the invention.Earplug 60 includes the stem component 32, the cavity 8, and the earplugbody 10 as shown in FIG. 5. However, the earplug 60 also includes a stemcavity 62 formed in a first end 64 of the stem component 32.

The stem cavity 62 may generally be formed to have any desired dimensionor disposition. In one embodiment, the stem cavity 62 is cylindrical inshape and extends into the stem 32 along a longitudinal axis of the stem32. The cavity 62 may be used to receive the end 16 of the cord 18 shownin FIG. 3. The cord 18 may then be correspondingly bonded to the stemcomponent 32 in the stem cavity 62. Thus, a corded, stemmed, pair ofearplugs is produced.

Of course, the stem cavity 62 could be used to receive other items suchas, for example, the detectable insert 34 shown if FIG. 6. As described,the detectable insert 34 is composed of any readily detectable materialsuch as, for example, a material which is metal, magnetic, or x-raydetectable. Accordingly, a stemmed, detectable earplug may be formedaccording to the invention.

The stem cavity 62 is formed through laser ablation. First, the stemcomponent 32 is formed through, for example, a molding or extrudingprocess. Then the stem component 32 is brought proximate the laser 24described and shown herein. Laser light 28 is emitted from the laser 24and directed incident to the stem component 32. A portion of the stemcomponent 32 which corresponds to the stem cavity is subjected to thelaser light 28 and subsequently ablated, thus forming the stem cavity62. It is noted that the stem cavity 62 may be formed in the stemcomponent 32 before or after the stem component is fixed to the earplugbody 10.

The stem component 32, as mentioned, is a rigid or semi-rigid elementand may be composed of any suitable plastic or rubber type material.Further, the stem component 32 may be composed of a porous material.

Formation of a cavity within a stem of an earplug by laser ablation hasbeen discussed above. The scope of the invention, however, includes anyapplication of laser ablation to the earplug stem. For example, laserablation may be used to form surface ornamentation, such as indicia orpatterning, in the stem. Further, laser ablation may be utilized toshape or contour the stem as desired, or to form a channel entirelythrough the stem, or to form any other surface feature in the stem.

For example, FIG. 11A shows an earplug 66 including the body 10 havingthe cavity 8 formed therein for receiving the stem 32. The stem 32includes a channel 68 formed entirely through the stem 32. The channel68 is formed by laser ablation as discussed herein and may be used toreceive and retain therein, for example, the communication insert 45 orthe tube element 47 of FIGS. 7B and 7C, respectively, to thus facilitatecommunications with a wearer.

The invention, as described and contemplated herein, provides aneffective, efficient, and consistent method for removing material froman earplug to form surface elements in the earplug, such as a cavity, athrough-channel, and surface ornamentation.

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, variousmodifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to beunderstood that the present invention has been described by way ofillustrations and not limitation.

1. A method of forming an earplug, comprising: removing a material bylaser ablation; wherein said removing the material comprises forming acavity in the earplug; wherein said removing the material furthercomprises forming the cavity in a first end of a sound attenuatingportion of the earplug, the cavity having a cylindrical shape andextending into the sound attenuating portion, along a longitudinal axisof the sound attenuating portion, toward a second end of the soundattenuating portion opposite the first end; wherein said removing thematerial further comprises exposing the sound attenuating portion tolaser light emitted from a carbon dioxide laser including a power outputof about twenty-five watts, a pulse of about 250 mili-seconds, and anair assist of about five pounds per square inch to form the cavityincluding a diameter of about 0.050 inches.
 2. A method of forming anearplug, comprising: removing a material by laser ablation; wherein saidremoving the material comprises forming a channel through at least aportion of the earplug; wherein said removing the material furthercomprises forming the channel in a sound attenuating portion of theearplug, the channel having a first opening at a first end of the soundattenuating portion and a second opening at a second end of the soundattenuating portion opposite the first end, the channel traversing alongitudinal length of the sound attenuating portion from the firstopening to the second opening; wherein said removing the materialcomprises exposing the sound attenuating portion to laser light emittedfrom a carbon dioxide laser including a power output of abouttwenty-five watts, a speed of about twenty inches per minute, and an airassist of about forty pounds per square inch to form the channelincluding a diameter of about 0.090 inches.
 3. A method of forming anearplug, comprising: removing a material by laser ablation; wherein saidremoving the material comprises forming a channel through at least aportion of the earplug; the method further comprising disposing aninsert in the channel for facilitating communication with a wearer ofthe earplug.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said disposing the insertcomprises inserting a receiver or transducer in the channel and bondingthe receiver or transducer to the earplug at the channel.
 5. The methodof claim 3, wherein said disposing the insert comprises inserting atubular element in the channel and bonding the tubular element to theearplug at the channel, the tubular element extending from a first endof the earplug to an exterior of the earplug and including a passagewayformed therethrough.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprisingoperatively connecting the extending end of the tubular element to acommunication assembly for producing a sound which propagates throughthe passageway to an ear canal of a wearer.
 7. A method of forming anearplug, comprising: positioning the earplug proximate a laser;identifying a portion of the earplug to be ablated; activating the laserso as to direct an emitted laser light toward the portion to be ablated;and ablating the portion to be ablated; wherein the portion to beablated comprises a portion of the earplug corresponding to a channel tobe formed through at least a portion of the earplug, and wherein saidablating the portion forms the channel; the method further comprisingdisposing an insert in the channel for facilitating communication.
 8. Anearplug, comprising: a sound attenuating portion; and a feature formedby laser ablation; wherein the feature comprises a cavity formed in afirst end of the sound attenuating portion including a cylindrical shapeextending into the sound attenuating portion, along a longitudinal axisof the sound attenuating portion, toward a second end of the soundattenuating portion opposite the first end; the earplug furthercomprising at least one of a cord, a stem, and a detectable insertdisposed in the cavity.
 9. An earplug, comprising: a sound attenuatingportion; and a feature formed by laser ablation; wherein the featurecomprises a channel formed through the sound attenuating portionincluding a first opening at a first end of the sound attenuatingportion and a second opening at a second end of the sound attenuatingportion opposite the first end, the channel traversing a longitudinallength of the sound attenuating portion from the first opening to thesecond opening; the earplug further comprising an insert disposed in thechannel for facilitating communication with a wearer of the earplug. 10.The earplug of claim 9, wherein the insert comprises at least one of areceiver, a transducer, and a tubular element, wherein the tubularelement extends from a first end of the earplug to an exterior of theearplug and includes a passageway formed therethrough.